The team was launched in the presence of Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, who gave the players an inspiring pep talk in his iconic style. The event was also attended by IPL star Vaishak Vijaykumar, adding further cricketing pedigree to the launch.
The inaugural JITO Premier League will be held from 24 August to 5 September 2026 at the CCC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled for 24 August.
For Navrathan Jewellers, the Bangalore Blasters is much more than a participation in a community cricket tournament. The franchise represents the owners' ambition to build a professionally managed, competitive and values-driven sporting property that can create a lasting identity within the JITO ecosystem.
Speaking on the launch, Mahendar Bafna, Team Owner, Bangalore Blasters, said: “For Navrathan Jewellers, the Bangalore Blasters is an opportunity to bring our passion for sport, our commitment to excellence and our belief in community together on one platform. We have a larger vision for this team than simply competing in a tournament. We want to build a professionally managed sporting property that people can identify with, support and be proud of. Our ambition is to make the Bangalore Blasters one of the most competitive and respected teams in the JITO Premier League, while representing Bengaluru with pride.”
He added: “The inaugural season in Colombo is the first step in what we believe can become a much bigger journey. We want the Blasters to stand for excellence, professionalism, teamwork and integrity, both on and off the field. We are also delighted to have Jain Sports as our partner in this journey. Their association strengthens our vision of creating a meaningful sporting ecosystem around the team. Having a legend like Kapil Dev at our launch makes this occasion even more special, and we are equally excited to welcome Vaishak Vijaykumar.”
The Bangalore Blasters will represent Bengaluru and its community with an emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, discipline, integrity and excellence. The franchise's vision is to use the JPL as a platform to bring together accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs and cricket enthusiasts while creating a culture that combines competitive sporting ambition with community bonding.
Jain Sports has been announced as a key Partner of the Bangalore Blasters, bringing its experience and commitment to sports to the team's journey. The partnership reflects the shared vision of building a strong sporting ecosystem and using cricket as a platform to promote participation, performance, community and the development of sport.
Dr Chenraj Roychand, founder chairman of Jain Group and Chancellor of Jain deemed-to-be-University said:
“Sport has the unique ability to bring people together, create aspirations and build a culture of excellence. The Bangalore Blasters is an exciting initiative because it combines that sporting spirit with the larger values of community and collaboration that JITO represents. At Jain Sports, we are delighted to partner with the team and support its vision. We believe the Blasters can become a strong platform for competitive cricket while also inspiring greater participation in sport and creating meaningful connections within the community.”
Speaking as Chief Guest at the launch, Kapil Dev said:
“Cricket has always had the power to bring people together, and that is what makes initiatives like the JITO Premier League special. It is not only about winning matches; it is about discipline, teamwork, friendships and creating a culture of sporting excellence. The Bangalore Blasters have the opportunity to build something special, it is the vision of the team and your passion that is important. I wish the team and the entire JITO Premier League the very best for a successful inaugural season.”
Vicky Ostwal, Chairman, JITO, said: “It is always exciting to see new platforms that bring cricket closer to communities and give players an opportunity to compete, learn and enjoy the game. The Bangalore Blasters has a strong vision and I am sure the team will bring a competitive mindset to the JITO Premier League. What makes tournaments like this special is the combination of cricket, teamwork and the relationships built around the game. I wish the Bangalore Blasters the very best for their inaugural season.”
The JITO Premier League is JITO's flagship community cricket tournament, bringing together cricket and the values of fitness, discipline, sportsmanship, brotherhood, networking and community bonding. The inaugural edition in Colombo is expected to bring together cricketing talent and members of the JITO community in a celebration of sport and camaraderie.
For the Bangalore Blasters, the tournament is also an opportunity to demonstrate that community sport can be driven with the same professionalism, preparation and competitive intensity associated with elite sport.
The team's partnership with Jain Sports further strengthens this approach, bringing together the ownership vision of Navrathan Jewellers and the sporting expertise and ecosystem of Jain Sports.
The launch also marks the beginning of a broader ambition for the Bangalore Blasters — to create a team that is not defined only by its results, but by the culture it builds, the community it represents and the sporting aspirations it inspires.
With the inaugural JITO Premier League commencing on 24 August 2026, the Bangalore Blasters will now travel to Colombo determined to make a strong first impression and lay the foundation for a long-term sporting journey.
About Bangalore Blasters
The Bangalore Blasters is the Bengaluru franchise participating in the inaugural JITO Premier League (JPL), with Navrathan Jewellers as the team owners and Jain Sports as a key team partner. The franchise aims to build a high-performance cricket team rooted in professionalism, teamwork, integrity and community spirit, while representing Bengaluru at the inaugural JPL in Colombo.
About JITO Premier League
The JITO Premier League (JPL) is JITO's flagship community cricket tournament, bringing together cricket enthusiasts and members of the community through a celebration of sport, fitness, discipline, sportsmanship, networking, brotherhood and community bonding. The inaugural season will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 24 August to 5 September 2026.
